Educated in Queen's University, Norman joined the Naval Reserve in 1980 as a diesel mechanic before transferring to the regular force in 1985 as a Sub-lieutenant.[2] He became Commanding Officer of the frigateHMCS St. John's.[2] He went on to be Assistant Chief of Transformation in 2005, Director General Strategy, Chief Force Development in 2007 and Commander Canadian Fleet - Atlantic in 2009.[3] He then became Director General Maritime Force Development in 2010 and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff and Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy in June 2011 before becoming Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy in June 2013.[4] In January 2016, it was announced he was to be appointed as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces. His successor as Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy was Rear-Admiral Ron Lloyd.[5]